When I finally get a truck I will want to install a rubber bed mat in it. Not sure which brand. My main concern is whether or not it will scratch the paint in the bed of the truck? I know, I know, who cares, the mat will cover that. But I guess I'm just a little OCD about it. I know some of them (maybe all of them?) have little "feet" that are supposed to help airflow in case water gets to allow them to stay dry. Do those little feet leave little feetprints?

 

My experience w/ 3 different rubber bed mats (2 Ford OEM and a Black Arnour) is that they are soft enough to not scratch or harm the paint. The problem comes if they get sand or gravel underneath them and it grinds around between the mat and the bed paint over time. Pull the mat out once and while and spray or blow it out real good and you shouldn't have any scratching.

 

In 2021 I sold my 98 F250 that had a rubber mat in it from the beginning. I did a clean up and with a damp cloth cleaned the bed around the edges of the mat. No scratches. The mat lived under a Leer shell that did not allow grit to migrate under the mat.
My guess if left exposed some abrasives could damage the paint.

 

I've always liked a bed mat in the truck. Just got an OEM bed mat and bed divider from the local dealer last week and they'll get the job done nicely. As a previous post said, I generally pull out the bed mat and hose it off periodically (like after returning from the beach or hauling a load of manure or dirt).

 

Our truck came with factory Ford spray in liner but I bought the Ford factory rubber mat to add in as well. I figure the liner protects the bed and the mat protects what I put in there. I am finding it really helps to stop items from sliding around back there too.